Drop in center for LGBT population has been opened at the new location in Podgorica, which makes it more visible to Montenegrin society. The center will provide psychological, peer and medical support, with the aim of improving social and health circumstances of LGBT population.
Program director in Juventas NGO, Ms Jelena Čolaković, said at the opening of the new Drop in center that social and political climate in Montenegro had changed since the opening of the first Drop in center in 2011.
“The context is different now in comparison to 2011 when we started and were faced with so many difficulties. It was not pleasant at all, but it’s definitely different now. We have so many people who have shown that freedom is a beautiful thing”, said Ms Čolaković.
Drop in center will be open from 10 am to 10 pm.
“It will be available to young people but also those who advocate for equality, respect and love. We want those people to be our guests, regardless of their sexual orientation, sex or any other characteristic”, said Ms Čolaković.
Drop in center, as social and healthcare service, aims to improve social and healthcare circumstances of LGBT community.
President of the Administrative Board of Queer Montenegro, Mr Danijel Kalezić, said that Drop in center was the most important place for LGBT population.
“Since 2011, when the first center was opened, it’s been our gathering place and that’s where we started to grow as a community. We have been encouraging each other, connecting and we’ve shared some beautiful moments, like a family”, pointed out Mr Kalezić.
Drop in center has been important because it was there where the first Montenegro pride was organized.
“That’s the place where Queer brigade was formed, as in informal group, predecessor of Queer Montenegro. Then it all led to the first trans organization, Spektra Pride”, told Mr Kalezić.
Deputy Mayor, Ms Slađana Vujačić, said that opening of the new Drop in center was very important for the Capital and “is a progress in the respect for human rights”.
“This topic isn’t a taboo anymore”, said Ms Vujačić.
She called on the citizens to visit Drop in center.
“I think this will be a nice place of gathering and its importance will be multiple”, pointed out Ms Vujačić.
Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mr Nikola Antović, said that the Ministry and the Government supported activities aimed at the improvement of human rights and integration of all society members.
Director of the Center for Women’s Rights, Ms Maja Raičević, said that it was important that LGBT population would become more visible to Montenegrin society.
